Disappointed in projector image, any advice?

[pggolf]

My setup:

Optoma GT1090HDR (ceiling mount short throw, roughly 7' from screen using 4:3 aspect ratio)
Brand new Acer PC with GTX1070
AmazonBasics Nylon-Braided 4K, 18Gbps HDMI to HDMI Cable, 25 Feet
Screen Par2pro SqW custom Impact screen (9.5' by 7.5')
Will be running fsx2020

I'm generally disappointed with the image quality. It's functional but certainly not what I expected. Overall the image is faded and the text in the corners tends to be out of focus. The pc is sending 1980x1080 at 60Hz and I have minimal image adjustments. I also tried using my cable box hdmi output and was still underwhelmed. Are my expectations too high? I could return the projector and try a different short throw projector or try a projector from the back right corner wall mounted or from a computer cart. Any advice? Thanks!

[Dax]

From your comments, I suspect you have too much light in your room that is hitting your screen. Also your screen is likely not flat. Have you tried projecting a similiar image in a darker room with a light coloured wall to see what it may look like there? I am focusing on your comments re washed out and out of focus at corners.

[3on3putt]

How is the image quality when streaming a live sport or playing a youtube video? Similar to what you're seeing with the sim software?

[Dax]

I would also check the image setting that your projector is in. If it is in Cinema mode, then this would be the lowest setting and if you have selected eco mode, then this would also lower the image brightness (note I am just using generic terms for what these are usually called your might call it something different). I would try Standard first and also Dynamic. I tend to avoid Dynamic as I don’t like how greens look in this mode.

[pggolf]

Thanks for the feedback. I definitely think the screen is pulled a bit away from the projector at the bottom, probably causing the focus issue. I'll work on that.

There is some natural light in the room. Do most use their setups completely in the dark with only light from the projector?

I'll mess with the settings, I think it currently might be set to cinema. There certainly is a big drop-off watching live sports or YouTube vs my LED tv.

I did clean the lens (lens cleaner and duster), after when I turned the projector on it still looks like there's dust on the lens.

[gojoholo]

Yes, you should try to block the natural light. Add a spotlight if the projector light isn't enough for you. Have you played at night? That should give you an idea of the difference it would make.

[jhaislip86]

Have the exact same projector with the same complaint. I have an Epson 1060 next to it that absolutely blows it out of the water with brightness and color quality at only 3100 lumens. Sending back the Optoma tomorrow. I'd say the Optoma just appears gray and washed.

[Mn8421]

I am returning my Optoma for the exacted same reason. Played with all the settings and still very washed out muted colors even on a Carl’s premium screen. Pretty disappointed with the gt1080hdr.

[jhaislip86]

You can guess which is which.

[wbond]

There is a big difference though when projecting onto an impact screen vs a wall. I wonder if you Switch them what it would look like

[3on3putt]

Exactly what wbond said. You will always lose some quality when projecting onto an impact screen. Switch them around and see if there is still a big difference. Impact screen to wall is far from apples to apples.

[Sixmudd]

I have an optoma e412st and also underwhelmed by the picture quality. Can’t get it to focus for the life of me. I have an epson as well that I use for my theater, and you’re a absolutely correct - it blows the optoma out of the water.

[steve51523]

i have the eh412st and i feel like it is in 720p all the time. not crisp or clear at all.

[Jason Penner]

Couple things,
1st you said your screen is 4x3 but you have a 16x9 resolution coming from your pc, change it to 1440x1080 that will be the highest 4x3 setting.
2nd I had 1080hdr in beginning and returned after comparing with benq671. Even thou the 1080hdr was rated as 4000l the benq at 3200l is brighter.
I sent the 1080hdr back to costco
Also check picture image mode ( as someone else mentioned) try vivid or User and mess with contrast/brightness

[jhaislip86]

Fiddled with every setting imaginable, it just doesn't have the POP that a 3LCD chip gives you. Considering trying an Ultra Short throw Epson LS100.

[Solstice72]

I have the LS100 in my family room, it does gun lumens but where would you place that box?

[Dax]

Did you compare the image quality of the Epson on your screen including the size of the image? The screen will not be as bright as your wall. Also have you checked which setting the projector is on?

[pwade3]

I have the GT1080HDR which is the little brother to yours. I love mine. You can’t have lots of ambient light though. I have just a 3 light on the tee area and the player and not much else. I do have about 10 windows in the garage but this picture was taken during the evening. I have black curtains on the side and ceiling to ensure light is not robbed from the screen. I only wish the 1090 was out when I bought mine. The picture on the beach course is with lots of lights on in the background.
I would play with the settings. I have it on bright and game setting. Not much else is changed.

[jhaislip86]

It still looks like your 1080 has better color. Believe me, I have no ambient light and I've messed will ALL the settings. Just doesn't have it for me I guess.

[Sixmudd]

A quick follow up: I now believe it’s my impact screen that is creating the fuzzy picture. I projected an image on my theater screen as a test, and the picture was much clearer on there vs the image on the impact screen.

[pwade3]

Where is your screen from? Some screens have a projection side only (such as mine).

[Sixmudd]

I got it from shop indoor golf. I wonder if I have it hung backwards lol Hope not